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Playing with low light

Discussion in 'Formal Portraits and Weddings' started by cbbr, Mar 29, 2011.

  1. cbbr

    cbbr

    7,261
    Nov 21, 2009
    Baton Rouge, La.
    I shot a few with my victims last night just to play. I decided that I really need a gridded flash from the front to make the faces pop, but would love some more C&C -

    1)

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    2)

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    3)

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    cbbr, Mar 29, 2011
    #1
  2. silver

    silver

    2,434
    Dec 29, 2005
    Bournemouth, UK
    the light from the candle doesn't look like it's providing much light on the subject

    I realise candle light is not bright which is the tricky part but I think it's possible to have more apparent illumination from the candle in the images
     
    silver, Mar 30, 2011
    #2
  3. Prettym1k3

    Prettym1k3

    5,301
    Jan 8, 2009
    San Jose, CA
    The concept is good, but I think there just wasn't enough light to really "light up" this image.
     
    Prettym1k3, Mar 30, 2011
    #3
  4. Tony Ad

    Tony Ad

    2,496
    May 20, 2008
    Fairfax Station, VA
    Tony Admana
    I'm with Silver and Mike. I think your title should have been "Playing with very low light".
     
    Tony Ad, Mar 30, 2011
    #4
  5. cbbr

    cbbr

    7,261
    Nov 21, 2009
    Baton Rouge, La.
    Thanks guys - I had a softbox feathered overhead and gelled, but I think that I needed either more power from that or a second gelled/gridded flash from the front. The candle was not really helping at all because kids can't stay still long enough for a slow speed shot.

    This was my first attempt, and I have a shot in mind that this is working toward, which is why I need some C&C on this one. Thanks again!
     
    cbbr, Mar 30, 2011
    #5
  6. Prettym1k3

    Prettym1k3

    5,301
    Jan 8, 2009
    San Jose, CA
    I think you needed more focused light... maybe a snooted flash or something. You have to think that when using this type of light you're going for a moody or edgy look, so make your lights work for you in that manner.

    I like where you're headed with this, though! Redo and post again!
     
    Prettym1k3, Mar 30, 2011
    #6
  7. cbbr

    cbbr

    7,261
    Nov 21, 2009
    Baton Rouge, La.
    Thanks Mike! I am new to this type of shot, but I have willing victims.
     
    cbbr, Mar 30, 2011
    #7
  8. silver

    silver

    2,434
    Dec 29, 2005
    Bournemouth, UK
    Chad, what camera / lenses do you have, I agree getting kids to sit still can be a task in itself but wonder how much you can get from the candle before even thinking to add any additional lighting

    I don't know offhand what settings might work for just using the light from the candle, I recall a thread https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=267756 - that is more than candle light but they are further away from the light source - which by my quick maths is something like f2 1/50 and 3200iso

    f1.4 1/30 and 3200 might get you there or in the ballpark (guessing) and your camera can be on a tripod so it might be possible..
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 15, 2017
    silver, Mar 31, 2011
    #8
  9. cbbr

    cbbr

    7,261
    Nov 21, 2009
    Baton Rouge, La.
    D90 and except for the 35 1.8, all of my glass is 2.8. That's why I'm playing with the flashes - the D90 in light that low at anything over 800iso just won't get it right and kids move too much for long exposures. I am going to play with a larger candle and see if it adds much. Thanks for the link.
     
    cbbr, Mar 31, 2011
    #9
  10. silver

    silver

    2,434
    Dec 29, 2005
    Bournemouth, UK
    I am not familiar with the d90 in terms of noise handling, I think the approach of flash may be required but I am still thinking it's worth trying a few without flash,. ok 3200 might look noisy but 1600iso may work ok and sometimes noise can add a grain type feel that can work with low light

    go on - even if it's just for my curiousity would like to see what it looks like just with candle light :smile:
     
    silver, Mar 31, 2011
    #10
  11. cbbr

    cbbr

    7,261
    Nov 21, 2009
    Baton Rouge, La.
    Absolutely, when I set it back up I'll shoot a few just for grins. Maybe a larger candle will make a difference.
     
    cbbr, Mar 31, 2011
    #11
  12. silver

    silver

    2,434
    Dec 29, 2005
    Bournemouth, UK
    will be interested to see how it turns out (if it turns out!) :smile:
     
    silver, Mar 31, 2011
    #12
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